5 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and if you don’t have plans yet, don’t worry because we’re here to help you. Since most of the world celebrates this holiday within a 24-hour time span, it is one of the best times of year to travel to a new destination, and your options are virtually limitless. We’ve scoured the world for the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve and came up with this list of 5 best places to spend New Year’s Eve.

1. New York City, USA

One of the first cities that pops into people’s minds when considering where to spend New Year’s Eve is New York City. As many as one million people crowd Times Square to celebrate together and watch the ball drop at midnight, and it has made New York City one of the cities most closely tied to this holiday. In fact, Fodors selected New York City as the top place to celebrate New Year’s Eve, correctly noting that while “it may not be for everyone,” the atmosphere cannot be rivaled. It’s an experience that you’ll want to have at least once in your lifetime. If you do decide to spend New Year’s Eve in New York City, and specifically in Times Square, just be prepared to show up hours in advance to stake out a good spot.

2. Paris, France

If there is one city in the world that rivals the energy and atmosphere of New Year’s Eve in New York City, it’s Paris. Already known around the world as the “City of Lights,” Paris glows even more brightly than usual on New Year’s Eve. Stop by the Eiffel Tower between 11pm and midnight to see the light show. Afterwards, head on over to the Champs-Élysées, where you’ll find the main party. Just keep in mind that while Champs-Élysées is perhaps the most festive part of the city, it is also the most crowded. Thus, many Parisians will celebrate from their own homes and balconies instead, getting similarly festive views since fireworks are bursting all over the city. An added perk to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Paris? Champagne, wine, and chocolates abound and overflow throughout the city all night.

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro is absolutely wild for New Year’s Eve. Ranked second on the Fodor’s list referenced above, Rio de Janeiro is the host of a party called Réveillon, during which Rio’s festive reputation and culture come into play. Over one million people pack the famous Copacabana Beach to party and watch fireworks launched from boats anchored just offshore. You’ll also be able to enjoy other local customs like samba dancing, which has inspired numerous movie scenes, clubs around the world, and even a slot reel at a casino game provider online. As described at SlotSource, the game supports the idea of “dancing the streets in celebration” – something you will certainly be doing if you experience New Year’s Eve in Rio. The country’s affinity for dance and celebration make New Year’s Eve in Rio an even more enjoyable and memorable experience.

Source: riobybike.com

4. Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava hosts one of the more laidback and carefree New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world. Travel & Leisure put it best, stating that it is “as unpretentious as it gets” and referring to the holiday celebration as the “frat party” to the “black-tie balls” of nearby Vienna. For some – particularly the younger crowds – this is an ideal option. It is neither quite as crowded nor quite as formal as some other New Year’s Eve destinations around Europe, but it is absolutely worth the trip. Bratislava’s entire Old Town area is roped off for parties and concerts during New Year’s Eve, and you can party throughout the night to your heart’s content.

Source: twitter.com/LUXURYPlCTURES

5. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik might not be one of the first cities that comes to mind when you think about where to spend New Year’s Eve, but it has become quite the trendy destination in recent years. Here, you will find the all-night party atmosphere of Bratislava combined with unique local features, like beautiful landscapes, bonfires all around the city, and even the northern lights on a clear night. Naturally, it will be a bit cold, but as the Norwegians say, there’s no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothes. So bundle up, find a bonfire to stand next to, and ring in the new year with a Nordic party that lasts well into the wee hours of the morning.

Source: theaurorazone.com

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10 Replies to “5 Best Places to Spend New Year’s Eve”

Reykjavik is more our kind of New years eve celebration because we have a baby daughter now so finish all the partying!😂😅 But if I can find a babysitter once for new years eve I would fly to Rio Janeiro! Must be awesome welcoming the new year over there!

I can totally understand why these places are on the list. I’d love to spend NYE in Iceland, just because I’ve been before, but never got to see the northern lights! I could double up on this trip! Bratislava’s another interesting one, and somewhere I’d never thought of before so thank you!

You have listed some wonderful places to witness New Year’s eve celebrations. Reykjavik must be the most stunning as natural northern lights must be adding beauty to whole celebrations. Also the Slovakia celebrations look colorful and beautiful.

Bratislava is my favorite from the list for its laid-back party culture 🙂 Of course, all are amazing including Paris and NYC whose celebrations are well renowned and I would love to see those two as well. But I like my NYE celebrations in a quiet manner so I know where I want to be for next year if not this one 🙂

I love NYC, but I don’t know if I’d want to be there (not in Times Square) with all those crowds. A more laidback NYE in Bratislava sounds more like style. Most of the time I’ve spent NYE at home relaxing with some wine, but maybe this year I’ll go out.

Just when I was looking for idea on New Year destinations, I stumbled upon this blog. Rio de Janeiro sound the most exciting to me. Though 1 million people is a lot, even for someone like me who is from an overpopulated India, haha. Reykjavik is also not a bad idea. Quite unconventional in fact!

I’d totally add London too to this list! Its awesome to see the fireworks set off from the London Eye as the clock strikes 12! Later on, walking up to the Big Ben is just awesome (though currently its under renovation)! Of your list, Iceland attracts me the most. What better way to start a new year than with Northern Lights!

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Hi! We're Diana & Hope, two sisters from Chicago/Toronto showing you how to travel beyond life's boundaries. As a lawyer turned online entrepreneur and a university student, we're no strangers to life's obligations. But by making the most of our vacation days and budgeting smartly, we've traveled to over 60 countries and are visiting many more this year. Follow along, and we'll show you how you can do the same.